New Zealand Day 24

This was a travel day and wander we did.  We left Snells Beach about 10 am and drove back to Warkworth and then along back roads to the West Coast.  We were on winding roads with occasional signs of storm damage and slips, but the weather was sunny after starting out with clouds.  We traversed over the "spine" of the island.  Our first notable sight was a huge sculpture farm known as Gibbs Farm.  It is only open for a few days each year and, according to the website, it costs $100 to drive around viewing the massive artworks.

Our next stop was the town of Helensville, noted for its 1911 Post Office Building, which was the stand-in as the Police Station for the NZTV show "The Brokenwood Mysteries."  We had a coffee break at a local bakery and then strolled along the river that meanders through town before exiting into Kaipara Harbour.  We spotted an unusual plant (see photos), aptly named the Balloon Plant.

An automatic door closing, locking, and music-playing toilet in Helensville.  The user hits a button and the door unlocked and opens.  But the occupancy time is limited to 10 minutes -- any longer and a warning bell rings and then the door opens automatically. . .

Some interesting "art" made with cutting torches.

A "honey" Jerry Can.

A balloon plant

The balloon releases silky, dandelion-like seeds.

We resumed our drive first by going a few miles to Parakai, known for hot springs, and then southward and eastward on SH 16, back over the spine.  We stuck to the backroads crossing SH 1 and continued into Takapuna, our home for the next 3 nights.  Takapuna feels like San Diego, or Victoria, BC (if Victoria were warm).  

We rejoined the gang, and spent the afternoon socializing with Varis and his New Zealand relatives on the Emerald Inn's back terrace.  We met Judith's younger sister, Wendy, her daughter Christine, and her two grandsons (William and Cameron).  The  party also included Les, who is the son of Judith's other sister Anne (who died recently), and Les's wife (Margaret) as well as Anne's daughter Beverly.  Varis has arranged a sailing trip for his relatives and our US gang tomorrow, followed by dinner a few blocks from our hotel - this will be all reported in the next blog post.

The Takapuna beachfront

A guy in outrigger canoe surfing the waves.

Rangitoto Island.

Sunset over Takapuna - amazing yellow.